The Prince George's County Historic Preservation Program

The Prince
George’s County
Historic
Preservation
Program
Greenbelt Center School
This brochure was prepared by the Historic Preservation Section, Countywide Planning
Division of the Prince George’s County Planning Department/M-NCPPC. For more
information, contact the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission, c/o
M-NCPPC, County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper
Marlboro, MD 20772. Call 301-952-3520, or consult www.mncppc.org/county/hpc.htm
Introduction
The history of Prince George’s County is embodied in its older buildings,
structures, and archeological sites—in buildings remaining from eighteenthcentury
plantations, in nineteenth-century crossroad communities, in
early twentieth-century streetcar suburbs, and in those still-rural areas
that recall the county’s agricultural heritage of tobacco raising and horse
breeding. From sites yielding prehistoric artifacts, to eighteenth-century
farms, to commercial buildings of the early twentieth century, the county’s
history can be traced by what remains on the landscape. The preservation
of these resources helps us to retain our sense of history and community. It
also aids in the education of our children and our new residents by showing
them, through the history embodied in everyday surroundings, the depth
and breadth of our common heritage.
The Historic Preservation Commission
The county’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, enacted in 1981, established
a nine-member Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).
Members of the HPC are appointed by the County Executive and are
knowledgeable in such areas as architecture, planning, real estate, and
historic preservation. The HPC reviews land use proposals affecting historic
resources. HPC staff, provided by the M-NCPPC Planning Department,
assist owners planning exterior alterations to historic buildings and respond
to community survey and research requests.
The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the third Tuesday of
every month at 6:00 p.m. in the County Administration Building in Upper
Marlboro, unless otherwise announced. The public is encouraged to attend.
How Historic Sites and Districts Are Created
In some cases a property’s significance lies in
its architectural style, historical or cultural
associations or in its archeological features. It may
also be noteworthy as the work of a highly skilled
craftsman or as the site of an important event.
Historic districts are established to protect and
Dorsey Chapel, Glenn Dale promote special areas of historic and architectural
value. Districts evoke a special sense of time and
place that contributes to the area’s unique identity. When a district is
established, historic district regulations ensure that physical changes are
consistent with each property’s individual character and the character of the
district as a whole.
Through the county’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, the HPC can
designate a property as a historic site if the property is listed in the
county Inventory of Historic Resources and if it meets specific criteria
of architectural or historical significance. Similarly, a group of historic
properties sharing significance and proximity can be designated as a historic
district.
The process of designation involves the preparation of a research report
documenting the history and architectural characteristics of the historic
resource; this research may be initiated by the property owner or local
citizens. The HPC then holds a public hearing to receive the comments of the
residents and other interested parties and then makes a decision. The County
Council hears appeals of the commission’s decisions on designations.
The Historic Area Work Permit Process
Changes to the exterior features of a historic site
require a Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP),
in addition to any other permits required by the
county. Such changes include alterations, additions,
demolition of exterior features, and grading work or
landscaping that will affect the setting. Similarly,
changes to a property within a designated historic
district (including new construction) require a
HAWP.
If alterations are planned for an unevaluated historic resource included in the
Historic Sites and Districts Plan inventory, a property owner should request
a historic site evaluation. If, after that evaluation, a property is classified
as a historic site, exterior work will require a HAWP. If the property does not
meet the criteria to become a historic site, a HAWP will not be required. The
HPC encourages owners to submit preliminary plans for its review before
applying for a HAWP. Staff can provide technical assistance and information
on financial incentive programs including tax credits and grant programs.
The Benefits of Preservation
Tax Credits and Grants
Historic site and historic district designation recognizes and protects the
character of the designated property or area. Historic site owners are eligible
to receive bronze plaques awarded by the HPC to place on their properties.
In addition, owners may be eligible for a Prince George’s County
Preservation Tax Credit on county property taxes of ten percent of the
cost of approved restoration work, or five percent of the cost of compatible
new construction within a historic district. Owners may also qualify for
preservation loan programs when such funds are available. Property owners
are encouraged to contact staff and submit an application for tax credits prior
to the commencement of work.
Ashland Hay Barn
Upper Marlboro
Warren House, Riverdale Park
In cooperation with the Historic Preservation
Commission, the Prince George’s County Historic
Property Grant Program was launched in
2008. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for
the acquisition, rehabilitation, preservation and
restoration of historic property in Prince George’s
County. All work must meet the Secretary of the
Interior’s standards, and grant recipients must
place a perpetual historic preservation easement
on the property before receiving grant funds. The
grants are available to individuals, nonprofit
organizations and incorporated municipalities.
For more information, consult www.mncppc.org/county/propertygrant.htm.
A Maryland state income tax credit of 20 percent of the qualified capital
costs spent on rehabilitation for owner-occupied residential property and
for commercial property can be taken by owners of (1) designated historic
sites; (2) properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places;
(3) contributing properties within historic districts listed in the National
Register; or (4) contributing properties within county historic districts. The
rehabilitation must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
Rehabilitation and must be certified by the Maryland Historical Trust prior
to beginning work.
For information on eligibility for state and federal preservation tax credits
and funding, contact the Maryland Historical Trust, 100 Community
Place, Crownsville, MD 21032-2023,410-514-7600, or consult www.
marylandhistoricaltrust.net.
Prince George’s County Archeology Review Process
The archeology component of the county’s historic
preservation program calls for a specialized
approach to protecting resources. The ability to
predict with reliability where archeological sites
are located is an important goal of the county’s
program. In early 2004, the Prince George’s County
Planning Board issued an initiative to protect
archeological sites during the development process. Blue Willow ceramics, Croom
The Planning Board expressed particular interest to investigate the possible
existence of slave quarters and graves, as well as archeological evidence
of the presence of Native American peoples. In November 2005, the Prince
George’s County Council enacted legislation authorizing the Prince George’s
County Planning Department/M-NCPPC to require Phase I investigations
as part of the subdivision application process to identify archeological sites
within a property. County archeological guidelines were developed through
the collaboration of Historic Preservation staff, professional archeologists,
the Historic Preservation Commission, developers, real estate professionals,
interested citizens, and other parties of concern. The results of the
investigations have made substantial contributions to the understanding
of the county’s history, including slave life and the lifeways of Native
Americans. These discoveries have also enabled the county to protect historic
landscapes and sites that would otherwise be lost forever.
The National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of
properties acknowledged by the U.S. Government
as worthy of recognition and preservation. The
National Register is maintained by the Secretary of
the Interior and administered by the National Park
Service. Properties listed in the National Register
include districts, sites, buildings, structures and
objects that are significant to the nation, the state
or to the local community. The National Register
honors properties individually and within historic
districts and provides recognition and serves as a planning tool.
Listing in the National Register provides the following benefits in preserving
historic properties:
The prestige of national recognition that a property is of significance in
American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and/or culture.
Nomination involves a multistep review process that includes professional
evaluations of the significance of the property.
Consideration in the planning for federally and state-assisted projects.
Procedures require careful consideration of any impacts on National
Register properties by projects involving federal and state funds, licenses,
permits, or tax benefits. There is no review for a project that uses private
funds and does not require state or federal permits or licenses.
Eligibility for federal income tax benefits that include (1) a 20 percent
investment tax credit for certified rehabilitation of historic commercial,
industrial, and rental residential buildings, and (2) a charitable donation
deduction for the conveyance of a perpetual easement to a qualified
preservation organization.
Eligibility for a Maryland income tax credit of 20 percent of the qualified
capital costs for approved rehabilitation of owner-occupied residential
buildings and for commercial buildings.
Eligibility to apply for federal and state grants and low-interest state loans
for historic preservation projects.
National Historic Landmarks
The National Historic Landmarks program, another
cultural resources program of the National Park
Service, was established in 1935 to identify and
protect places possessing exceptional significance in
illustrating the nation’s heritage. National Historic
Landmarks can be buildings, sites, districts,
structures or objects determined by the Secretary of
the Interior to be nationally significant in American
Poplar Hill on His Lordship’s
Kindness, Clinton
history and culture. National Historic Landmarks
are eligible for special federal grants and for
technical preservation advice from the National Park Service, as well as for
the benefits listed above for National Register properties.
How to Get Involved
There are a number of nonprofit community
oganizations and government agencies active in
location preservation efforts. Here are just a few:
Prince George’s County Historical and
Cultural Trust (15 volunteers appointed by the
County Executive), in conjunction with the HPC,
has established a Countywide organization of
volunteers, the Friends of Preservation, to support
preservation efforts. The Friends of Preservation
Newsletter, produced by the Historical and Cultural
St. John’s Church, Broad Creek
2007 Historic Preservation
Reception at Snow Hill, Laurel
Trust, contains articles about preservation issues, the proceedings of the
HPC, and information about preservation-related classes, tours and special
events. Trust volunteers also run The Newel Post, a recycling center for
salvaged architectural elements.
For more information, contact 301-627-4499 or consult www.pgchct.blogspot.
com
The Prince George’s County Historical Society and Library is a
membership organization dedicated to promoting an appreciation of Prince
George’s County heritage. Headquartered at the Greenbelt Branch of the
Prince George’s County Public Library, the society maintains a research
collection on county history; publishes a monthly newsletter, News and
Notes; holds programs and special events for members; conducts guided
tours and educational activities for the public; and recognizes historical and
preservation activities with annual awards.
For information on Historical Society activities, contact 301-464-0590 or
consult www.pghistory.org
Prince George’s Heritage, Inc., a countywide, nonprofit preservation
organization staffed by volunteers, administers the Prince George’s
Heritage grants program and can award small grants for research and
restoration projects. Prince George’s Heritage works closely with the Historic
Preservation Commission in education efforts.
For more information, call Doug McElrath, Chair, 301-405-9210 or dmcelrat@
umd.edu.
The M-NCPPC Natural and Historical Resources Division (Department
of Parks and Recreation) offers interpretative programs at M-NCPPCowned
historic sites and a range of volunteer opportunities. The department
also operates a curatorship program that allows individuals interested in
rehabilitating historic properties to enter into long-term lease agreements.
For more information, call 301-218-9651, or consult www.pgparks.com/
places/historicsites.html

National Register Properties and Districts in Prince George’s County
As of June 2008, 73 individual Prince George’s County properties
are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Eleven historic
districts and two parkways are also included in the National Register,
along with five archeological sites and 15 surviving District of Columbia
Boundary Markers. Recently, two National Register multiple property
documents have been prepared as context statements for African-
American resources and twentieth-century apartment buildings/garden
apartments in the county. Six National Historic Landmarks are also
identified.
1. B & O Railroad Station, 101 Lafayette Avenue, Laurel, c/o CSX
Transportation (March 1973)
2. Avondale Mill, 21 Avondale Street, Laurel, c/o City of Laurel
(September 1979) (destroyed by fire, December 1991)
3. Laurel High School, 707 Montgomery Street, Laurel, c/o Prince
George’s County (June 1979)
4. Ammendale Normal Institute and St. Joseph’s Chapel (60-4,
60-7), 6011 Ammendale Road, Beltsville (April 1975)
5. Snow Hill (62-4), 13209 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel, c/o M-NCPPC
(August 1974)
6. Montpelier (62-6), 9401 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, c/o M-NCPPC
(April 1970) [National Historic Landmark]
7. Spacecraft Magnetic Test Facility (64-6), Goddard Space Flight
Center, Greenbelt, c/o NASA (December 1985) [National Historic
Landmark]
8. College Park Airport (66-4), 6709 Corp. Frank S. Scott Drive,
College Park, c/o M-NCPPC (September 1977)
9. O’Dea House (67-22-11), 5804 Ruatan Street, Berwyn Heights
(June 1987)
10. Hitching Post Hill (68-1), 3308 Rosemary Lane, University Park
(September 1977)
11. Harry Smith House (68-4-1), 4707 Oliver Street, Riverdale Park
(May 1993)
12. Riversdale (68-4-5), 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park,
c/o M-NCPPC (April 1973) [National Historic Landmark]
13. Hyattsville Armory (68-41-9), 5340 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville
(March 1980)
14. Hyattsville Post Office (68-41-40), 4325 Gallatin Street,
Hyattsville, c/o U.S. Postal Service (July 1986)
15. George Washington House (69-5-2), 4302 Baltimore Avenue,
Bladensburg, c/o Aman Memorial Trust (July 1974)
16. Magruder House (69-5-7), 4703 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg,
c/o Prince George’s Heritage, Inc. (July 1978)
17. Market Master’s House (69-5-8), 4006 48th Street, Bladensburg
(March 1990)
18. Bostwick (69-5-9), 3901 48th Street, Bladensburg, c/o Town of
Bladensburg (August 1975)
19. Mount Hope (69-11), 1 Cheverly Circle, Cheverly (November 1978)
20. Marietta (70-20), 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, c/o
M-NCPPC (July 1994)
21. D.S.S. Goodloe House (71A-30), 13809 Jericho Park Road, Bowie
(October 1988)
22. Bowie Railroad Buildings (71B-2-9), 8614 Chestnut Avenue,
Bowie, c/o City of Bowie (November 1998)
23. Williams Plains (71B-3), 16200 White Marsh Park Drive, c/o City
of Bowie (November 1980)
24. Belair Mansion (71B-4), 12207 Tulip Grove Drive, Bowie, c/o City
of Bowie (September 1977)
25. Belair Stables (71B-5), 2835 Belair Drive, Bowie, c/o City of Bowie
(May 1973)
26. Melford (71B-16), 17100 Melford Boulevard, Bowie (April 1988)
27. Beall’s Pleasure (72-2), 7460 Landover Road, Landover (May 1979)
28. Addison Chapel (72-8), 5610 Addison Road, Seat Pleasant, c/o Prince
George’s Historical & Cultural Trust (April 1972)
29. Mount Lubentia (73-16), 603 Largo Road, Largo (July 1987)
30. Pleasant Prospect (74A-6), 12806 Woodmore Road, Mitchellville
(April 1976)
31. Bowieville (74A-18), 522 Church Road South, Upper Marlboro
(March 1973)
32. Hamilton House (74B-7), 16810 Federal Hill Court, Mitchellville
(November 1988)
33. Hazelwood (74B-13), 18611 Queen Anne Road, Queen Anne,
c/o M-NCPPC (April 1999)
34. Concord (75A-1), 8000 Walker Mill Road, Capitol Heights, c/o M-NCPPC
(May 1982)
35. St. Ignatius Church (76B-6), 2400 Brinkley Road, Oxon Hill (June 1974)
36. The Cottage and Outbuildings (78-00-18), 11904 Old Marlboro Pike,
Upper Marlboro, c/o Chesapeake Bay Foundation (July 1989)
37. Melwood Park (78-15), 10908 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro
(October 1976)
38. Mount Pleasant (79-4), 3401 Mount Pleasant Road, Upper Marlboro
(November 1972)
39. Kingston (79-19-13), 5415 Old Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro
(July 1978)
CHARLES COUNTY
FAIRFAX
COUNTY
POTOMAC RIVER
×
×
×
47
BROAD CREEK
48
PISCATAWAY CREEK
×
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Powder Mill Rd
×
HOWARD
68
×× 2×
COUNTY
×
CHARLES COUNTY
PATUXENT RIVER
40. Content (79-19-16), 14518 Church Street, Upper Marlboro
(September 1978)
41. Traband House (79-19-21), 14204 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro
(March 1984)
42. Buck House/Darnall’s Chance (79-19-28), 14800 Governor Oden Bowie
Drive, Upper Marlboro, c/o M-NCPPC (April 1978)
43. Bowling Heights (79-63-5), 3610 Old Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro
(November 1982)
44. Compton Bassett (79-63-10), 16508 Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro
(March 1983)
45. Ashland (79-63-11), 16109 Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro
(September 1994)
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
× ×
×
×
9
8
× 10
× 11
13
× × 12
××××× × 14
× × 73
×
× 28
×
×
×
×
27 ×
70
× 34
×
21 ×
7 22
×
23×
69
24
× × × 25 26
×
30
×
32
×
31
29×
×
33
×
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72
× × 35
46 ×
49×
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59
38
× ×
43
41 42
37
×
× 36 ××× × ××
45
39
40 44
61
× ×× 67
60
×
20
17
15
18
16 19
Mount Oak Rd
50
53
52
51
71
54
55 57
56
58
Indian Head Hwy
Riggs Rd
University Blvd
Piscataway Rd
Floral Park Rd
Baltimore Ave
Kenilworth Ave
Pennsylvania Ave
Suitland Pkwy
LEGEND
4
Branch Ave
Interstate 95
Accokeek Rd
Sandy Spring Rd
Capital Beltway
Landover Rd
Allentown Rd
Woodyard Rd
5
6
Lottsford Rd
Ritc hie Marlboro Rd
46. Oxon Hill Manor (80-1), 6901 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, c/o M-NCPPC
(June 1978)
47. Fort Foote (80-6), Fort Foote Road, Oxon Hill, c/o National Park Service
(September 1978)
48. Fort Washington (80-16), Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington,
c/o National Park Service (July 1968)
49. St. John’s Church (80-24-7), 9801 Livingston Road, Broad Creek
(April 1974)
50. Harmony Hall and Want Water (80-24-11, 80-24-10), 10511 Livingston
Road, Broad Creek, c/o National Park Service (June 1980)
51. His Lordship’s Kindness (81A-1), 7606 Woodyard Road, Clinton
(April 1970) [National Historic Landmark]
3
Greenbelt Rd
1
Baltimore Washington Pkwy
Lanham Severn Rd
66
× Individual National Register Listing
National Register Historic District/
National Park Boundary
0 1.5 3 6
Miles
Ritchie Rd
John Hanson Hwy
Rosaryville Rd
Robert Crain Hwy
North Keys Rd
N
Annapolis Rd
Central Ave
62
×
Laurel Bowie Rd
Largo Rd
Brandywine Rd
ANNE
Croom Rd
Aquasco Rd
65 63
64
××
COUNTY
CALVERT COUNTY
ARUNDEL
PATUXENT RIVER
52. Mary Surratt House (81A-7), 9110 Brandywine Road, Clinton,
c/o M-NCPPC (March 1973)
53. Wyoming (81B-4), 11810 Thrift Road, Clinton (January 1980)
54. Pleasant Hills (82A-2), 7001 Croom Station Road, Upper Marlboro
(August 1980)
55. Woodstock (82A-13), 8706 SE Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro
(September 1987)
56. Bellefields (82A-26), 13104 Duley Station Road, Croom
(September 1971)
57. Waverly (82B-9), 8901 Duvall Road, Croom (June 1987)
58. Bellevue (84-20), 200 Manning Road East, Accokeek (August 1986)
59. William W. Early House (85A-32-9), 13907 Cherry Tree Crossing Road,
Brandywine (June 1988)
60. Brookefield of the Berrys (86A-20), 12510 Molly Berry Road, Croom
(June 1987)
61. Coffren House and Store (86A-27-10, 86A-27-11), 10007 Croom Road,
Croom (June 1987)
62. St. Paul’s Church (86B-14), 13500 Baden-Westwood Road, Baden
(September 1977)
63. Old St. Mary’s Rectory (87B-36-8a), 16305 St. Mary’s Church Road,
Aquasco (September 1987)
64. Villa de Sales (87B-36-13), 22410 Aquasco Road, Aquasco (July 1988)
65. Sunnyside (87B-36-21), 16005 Dr. Bowen Road, Aquasco (May 1987)
66. Chapel of the Incarnation (85A-32-27), 14070 Brandywine Road,
Brandywine (December 2000)
67. St. Thomas Church (86A-27-7) 14300 St. Thomas Church Road, Croom
(December 2000)
68. Abraham Hall (62-23-7) 7612 Old Muirkirk Road, Beltsville
(March 2005)
69. Thomas J. Calloway House (70-49-33) 9949 Elm Street, Lanham
(March 2005)
70. Ridgely Methodist Episcopal Church (72-5) 8900 Central Avenue,
Landover (March 2005)
71. St. Mary’s Beneficial Society Hall (79-19-25) 14825 Pratt Street,
Upper Marlboro (March 2005)
72. William Butler House (76A-14) 6403 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill
(March 2005)
73. Hilltop Manor Apartments (69-036) 5302 Annapolis Road,
Bladensburg (December 2007)
National Register Historic Districts
Greenbelt (67-4) November 1980 [National Historic Landmark]
Hyattsville (68-10) March 1982 [boundary expansion December 2004]
Mount Rainier (68-13) September 1990
Baltimore-Washington Parkway (69-26) May 1991
Suitland Parkway (76A-22) June 1995
University Park (66-29) October 1996
Calvert Hills (66-37) December 2002
Riverdale Park (68-4) December 2002
West Riverdale (68-93) December 2002
North Brentwood (68-61) November 2003
National Register Archeological Sites
(Addresses not public information)
National Archives Site (66-36) August 1996
The Woodyard (82A-41) December 1974
Nottingham (82B-25) May 1975
Accokeek Creek (83-2) July 1968 [National Historic Landmark]
Piscataway Park (83-12) August 1979
For more information about the National Register of Historic Places, consult
www.nps.gov/history/nr/index.htm
Violet 259 or 2745
Red - 200
Blue - 299
Black - black
Gold - 124